McGrupp and the Watchful Hosemasters124 shows · median gap 10.5
DateVenueBefore / afterGap · mark at median 10.5
McGrupp and the Watchful Hosemasters
Debut 1985-04-06 · Last played 2026-07-18 · 123 performances
Gap — the number of shows the band played between one
performance of this song and the one before it.
← → the songs either
side, played as separate songs. > and
–> are phish.net’s own marks, and mean the
band ran them together rather than stopping between them.
Times Played
123
Median Gap, Last 10 Years10 Yr
24
Median Gap, All-Time
10.5
Longest Gap
100
Current Gap
Best version1998-07-19VenueShoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain ViewScore90Hear itListen · Details
2017-08-01TueMadison Square GardenNew York, NYBefore / afterGuelah Papyrus> Limb By LimbGap41SET 1
2016-07-20WedBill Graham Civic AuditoriumSan Francisco, CABefore / afterSing Monica >The Very Long FuseGap32SET 1
2015-08-15SatMerriweather Post PavilionColumbia, MDBefore / afterBuried Alive >> RoggaeGap53SET 1
2014-07-09WedThe Mann Center for the Performing ArtsPhiladelphia, PABefore / afterAlaskaStealing Time From the Faulty PlanGap34SET 1
2013-07-26FriGorge AmphitheatreGeorge, WABefore / afterSecret Smile> The Ballad of Curtis LoewGap24SET 1
2012-08-26SunVerizon Wireless Amphitheatre - CharlotteCharlotte, NCJam chartA very strong composed section features great Trey. Then Page's forceful piano soloing is matched by a bit of full-band improvisation, with Trey coloring the jam with a few scattershot notes before settling into a nice, warm line. A really fun and inviting version.Before / afterCrosseyed and Painless >> Mike's SongGap16SET 2
2012-06-28ThuKlipsch Music CenterNoblesville, INRated 79 · ListenJam chartThe rest of the band, particularly Trey, plays along during Page's solo, and there is some nice interplay between the two. Stepping into the lead, Trey migrates from the melodic to some mildly dissonant, atonal scales near the conclusion of this fine version.Before / afterMike's Song >> Back on the TrainGap30SET 2
2011-07-02SatWatkins Glen InternationalWatkins Glen, NYJam chartStrong vocals and snappy playing by Mike in the composed section give way to a great Page-led jam. Backed by the band, and with some inspired contributions from Trey, a nice little "McGrupp" jam emerges, which rises and swirls into the customary closing.Before / afterRunaway Jim >AxillaGap32SET 2
2010-10-20WedUtica Memorial AuditoriumUtica, NYBefore / afterWilson >> Saw It AgainGap20SET 1
2010-07-03SatVerizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore ParkAlpharetta, GABefore / afterRiftBathtub GinGap34SET 1
Jam chartGorgeous acoustic version from Festival 8.
Before / afterWilson >Gap19SET 1
2009-06-16TueThe Fox TheatreSt. Louis, MOBefore / afterThe Star-Spangled BannerWhile My Guitar Gently WeepsGap44ENCORE
2.01 show2003–2003
2003-07-29TuePost-Gazette Pavilion at Star LakeBurgettstown, PARated 73 · ListenJam chartIn the only version from 2.0, the others join in with Page for more of a rocking jam, with great Mike and Fish. There is also a sense of back and forth between Page and the others, giving the jam energy and a playful aspect as it builds to a solid conclusion.Before / afterWhen the Circus Comes >Golgi ApparatusGap46SET 1
1.0100 shows1985–2000
2000-09-18MonBlossom Music CenterCuyahoga Falls, OHHighly rated 88 · ListenJam chartTrey deploys the Leslie, evoking shades of a '95 "Slave," a bit of an anachronism pleasantly befitting '00. The jam provides a welcome cool down, featuring great and extended Page soloing augmented by Trey, who leads the band through an outro notable for an additional ambient pasage.Before / afterTwistHalley's CometGap60SET 2
1999-10-07ThuNassau Veterans Memorial ColiseumUniondale, NYHighly rated 84 · ListenJam chartTrey gradually joins in with Page's serene and contemplative solo, offering his uniquely '99 tone in contrast to Page's classic piano musings. Sounding as though it may end in an uncharacteristically subdued manner, Page and Trey instead drive the playing out for another brief circuit, before closing in a more spirited and customary manner.Before / afterMike's Song >Prince CaspianGap70SET 2
Jam chartSuper, subtle, and very '98. Page drives a quiet jam featuring great Fish, and colored by Mike and Trey.
Before / afterBirds of a Feather> Character ZeroGap25SET 1
1998-07-19SunShoreline AmphitheatreMountain View, CAHighly rated 90 · ListenJam chartWith Fish nicely keeping time, Page embarks on a charged solo, playfully recreating Mike's bass line. Even with Page out in front, there is a growing sense that all are contributing to this classic '98 version. For the second consecutive time, an archetypal, ambient-style "Jam" emerges on the heels of a very fine "McGrupp."Before / afterJesus Just Left Chicago> JamGap8SET 2
1998-07-05SunLucerna TheatrePrague, PragueHighly rated 82 · ListenJam chartDespite a couple of rough spots spread throughout, the jam section features a contemplative, but at moments playful Page, with an intense culmination. An iconic '98-style, ambient Trey-led "Jam" follows "McGrupp" proper.Before / afterThe Moma Dance >> JamGap5SET 2
1998-04-05SunProvidence Civic CenterProvidence, RIHighly rated 82 · ListenJam chartGreat first-set placement affords room for dark, contemplative playing. Although Page dominates, full-band interplay takes hold, with Trey providing strong counterpoint to Page. Fish serves as the unsung hero, adeptly using the cymbals to keep a vibrant pulse, and adding tension as this swirling version builds to a cathartic conclusion.Before / afterTheme from the Bottom >> Bathtub GinGap5SET 1
1997-12-30TueMadison Square GardenNew York, NYHighly rated 85 · ListenJam chartWith Mike and Page out front early, Trey ultimately enters the fray, and he and Page break into an eerie, counterpoint-based duet of sorts, with Mike and Fish nearly absent from the mix. Mike and Fish finally jump back in, creating a tense, throbbing sentiment which gradually dissipates with no concluding section, and instead spills into an epic "Harpua."Before / afterAC/DC Bag >HarpuaGap15SET 2
1997-11-26WedHartford Civic CenterHartford, CTHighly rated 82 · ListenJam chartAn excellent version arriving midway through an excellent first set. Following a strong composed section, Page crafts an inspired passage, gently working a pleasant melody. Trey responds in kind, offering the perfect counter to Page's playing. While different from the typcially comedic "Mule-Duel," the combination here jells, creating an inspired rise to the conclusion.Before / afterMy SoulDirtGap12SET 1
1997-08-13WedStar Lake AmphitheatreBurgettstown, PABefore / afterSleeping Monkey >> Sample in a JarGap8SET 2
1997-06-25WedL’AeronefLille, Hauts-de-FranceHighly rated 89 · ListenJam chart-> in from "Meatstick." A very unusual version. It starts in a swirly, funky mode, then shifts to a reggae style when the lyrics commence, and includes "Makisupa" teases. Trey narrates the lyrics in a style similar to the earliest versions (pre August '87). Page's solo is unusually quiet, but otherwise straightforward. A spacey ending transitions to "Makisupa."Before / afterMeatstick ->> Makisupa PolicemanGap41SET 2
1996-11-15FriKiel CenterSt. Louis, MOBefore / afterMaze> Split Open and MeltGap13SET 2
1996-08-12MonDeer Creek Music CenterNoblesville, INBefore / afterPrince Caspian >> Run Like an AntelopeGap9SET 2
1996-07-23TueMarkthalleHamburg, HamburgHighly rated 86 · ListenJam chartThe jam section has a nice swinging vibe at first, with the others quietly supporting Page. Trey and Fish kick it up a few notches, then there's a sweet little salsa jam which sounds very much like "The Landlady." This fun little jam seems to magically segue back into "McGrupp" proper and the customary closing section. Great version.Before / afterDown with Disease >Hello My BabyGap20SET 1
1995-12-29FriWorcester Centrum CentreWorcester, MAHighly rated 81 · ListenJam chart-> in from the historic "Real Gin." "McGrupp" features an airy opening, replete with Trey's signature '95-style, Leslie-infused shimmering tone. Wonderful playing throughout. Page breaks for a dark calm, marked not so much by eeriness, but a general psychedelia, enhanced by an exotic, Eastern sentiment, combined with nice restraint by Trey. Great fills from Fish lead to a powerful conclusion.Before / afterBathtub Gin ->> Big Black Furry Creature from MarsGap7SET 2
1995-12-11MonCumberland County Civic CenterPortland, MEBefore / afterTubeJuliusGap27SET 1
1994-07-08FriGreat Woods Center for the Performing ArtsMansfield, MABefore / afterThe Sloth >> Divided SkyGap4SET 1
1994-07-02SatGarden State Arts CenterHolmdel, NJRated 75 · ListenJam chartThe jam section begins with good energy, settles, then rebuilds with Trey, Mike, Fish and the audience contributing rhythmic support. Then there's a brief "Landlady"-like section before the tension mounts and finally breaks as the closing section begins.Before / afterWeekapaug GrooveMazeGap4SET 2
1994-06-18SatUIC Pavilion, University of IllinoisChicago, ILBefore / afterHorn >> TweezerGap8SET 2
1994-05-29SunLaguna Seca RacewayMonterey, CABefore / afterHorn >> The Oh Kee Pa CeremonyGap6SET 2
1994-05-22SunVogue TheatreVancouver, British ColumbiaBefore / afterIt's Ice >> TweezerGap7SET 2
1994-05-13FriHayden SquareTempe, AZRated 79 · ListenJam chartExcellent and active full band engagement during Page's section, especially some great interplay with Mike, and Fish on the wood blocks. The already energized nature of the jam builds to an intense conclusion before returning to the closing section.Before / afterSplit Open and Melt> Peaches en RegaliaGap9SET 2
1994-04-30SatThe Edge Night ClubOrlando, FLHighly rated 81 · ListenJam chartA lilting, musical intro features melodic Trey and "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" teasing, a fun theme throughout this show. A loose, easy vibe dominates the composed section. Page's fast clip solo, which sparkles, is anchored by great Mike and colored by thoughtful and deliberate work from Trey. A fiery conclusion > to an excellent "Possum."Before / afterAxilla (Part II)> PossumGap19SET 2
1994-04-08FriRecreation Hall, Penn State UniversityState College, PABefore / afterSplit Open and MeltIt's IceGap5SET 2
1993-12-30ThuCumberland County Civic CenterPortland, MEBefore / afterPunch You in the Eye >> Weekapaug GrooveGap18SET 2
1993-08-07SatDarien Lake Performing Arts CenterDarien Center, NYHighly rated 88 · ListenJam chartThis classic version features a long, fantastic Page solo with solid backing from the others. As it continues, the energized nature of the playing increases, and Mike is noticeably strong before Fish fires off the Gatling guns to signal the closing section. Released on Live Bait 4.Before / afterMy Friend, My Friend >-> Purple RainGap24SET 2
Jam chartTrey and Mike offer great backing to Page, especially Mike as the jam section progresses, and Fish keeps the engine clicking along nicely throughout.
Before / afterWeekapaug Groove> StashGap50SET 2
1991-12-31TueWorcester Memorial AuditoriumWorcester, MABefore / afterTweezer >> Mike's SongGap35SET 3
1989-12-08FriWithey Hall Dining Room, Green Mountain CollegePoultney, VTBefore / afterReba> Who Do? We Do!Gap11SET 1
1989-11-10FriSigma Phi House, Hamilton CollegeClinton, NYBefore / afterWeekapaug Groove> Who Do? We Do!Gap1SET 2
1989-11-09ThuMission Park Dining Hall, Williams CollegeWilliamstown, MABefore / afterAC/DC Bag >> Who Do? We Do!Gap3SET 2
1989-11-02ThuMemorial Union Building, Granite State Room, University of New HampshireDurham, NHRated 74 · ListenJam chartIn Fall '89, the band was re-tooling "Fluffhead," and for a period tacked the "Who Do? We Do!" section onto the back end of "McGrupp." This date is a good example, and the band nicely rocks along with Page in "McGrupp" proper.Before / afterDivided Sky> Who Do? We Do!Gap4SET 2
1989-10-22SunThe FrontBurlington, VTBefore / afterIn a Hole> Who Do? We Do!Gap1SET 2
1989-10-21SatThe FrontBurlington, VTBefore / afterIn a Hole> Who Do? We Do!Gap5SET 1
1989-10-10TueThe FrontBurlington, VTBefore / afterDavid Bowie> Who Do? We Do!Gap3SET 1
1989-10-01SunThe FrontBurlington, VTBefore / afterAlumni Blues >> Who Do? We Do!Gap1SET 1
1989-09-21ThuPearl Street BallroomNorthampton, MABefore / afterAlumni Blues> Who Do? We Do!Gap5SET 1
1987-11-19ThuHunt'sBurlington, VTHighly rated 85 · ListenJam chartFirst "McGrupp" to feature Page on the keyboards following the composed sections, rather than a whole band jam. Page's solo is dark and somewhat ominous, with nice background support from the others. Rather than return to close "McGrupp" formally, the jam continues and -> to "Sparks."Before / after-> SparksGap5SET 1
1987-10-31SatSculpture Room, Goddard CollegePlainfield, VTBefore / afterDivided Sky >> Who Do? We Do!Gap5SET 2
Jam chartNice rocking vibe to the jam, with Page and Trey sort of trading licks at moments. The jam keeps on rocking, with no return to the "McGrupp" closing, and neatly -> to "Possum."
Before / afterThe Curtain With-> PossumGap2SET 2
1987-08-21FriIan McLean's FarmHebron, NYRated 78 · ListenJam chartThe first version with lyrics sung rather than narrated. The jam follows a similar pattern to others from this period, with Trey strumming quite a bit while Page rocks the keyboard, but this one grows increasingly intense before seeming to veer towards "Possum." Instead, the jam explores more ground, then -> to "Stir It Up Jam" with no return to the typical closing.Before / afterBig Black Furry Creature from Mars-> Stir It UpGap2SET 3
Jam chartAnother early version with a jam following the lyrics and composed sections. This one is quite rocking and has a great vibe to it.
Before / afterSparks >> The Ballad of Curtis LoewGap12SET 3
1986-12-06SatThe RanchShelburne, VTBefore / afterIcculusGood Times Bad TimesGap6SET 2
1986-10-15WedHunt'sBurlington, VTRated 74 · ListenJam chartJeff has left the band at this point, and his departure is noticeable as Page plays a prominent role throughout (great recording too). The jam has an upbeat, Grateful Dead-like tone, and includes the whole band despite Page's leading role.Before / afterI Am Hydrogen >AC/DC BagGap11SET 1
Jam chartTrey speaks the lyrics in a "Dylan-esque" manner, while the jam portion features a soaring Trey guitar solo.
Before / afterAC/DC Bag> Alumni BluesGap11SET 2
1985-10-17ThuFinbar'sBurlington, VTHighly rated 81 · ListenJam chartThe entire band breaks into a jam where Page would solo in later versions. Although the recording ends before the jamming section concludes, the nearly 5 minutes captured on tape give a good flavor for the open-ended nature of these early jams in "McGrupp."Before / afterRun Like an AntelopeGap1SET 1
1985-09-27FriSlade Hall, University of VermontBurlington, VTBefore / afterDave's Energy Guide> CitiesGap3SET 3
1985-09-26ThuWRUV RadioBurlington, VTBefore / afterDave's Energy GuideGapNot a showSET 1
1985-05-03FriUniversity of VermontBurlington, VTJam chart-> in from "Whipping Post." Again, the lyrics are narrated. Page sat in as a guest for this show, and he begins make his presence felt, adding color to the excellent, guitar-driven jam, which has moments that sound similar to "Drowned". Eventually getting back to "McGrupp," this version slowly winds down with a > to "Makisupa."Before / afterWhipping Post ->> Makisupa PolicemanGap7SET 3
NoteFirst known performance. Narrated rather than sung.
Jam chartDebut. The lyrics are narrated by Trey, rather than sung, and Page had not yet joined the band. A fairly intense, mostly straightforward Jeff and Trey guitar jam follows the lyrical section. (Circulates as filler on 3/4/85 Hunt's).Before / after> Makisupa PolicemanGapDebutSET 2